Ignition suppression circuiting technology

ABSTRACT

A cable system is provided which is configured with both electric wires and a fluid conduit running through the axial passage of a surrounding flexible sheath of the cable. The system allows for communication of electricity over the wires for electrical circuits and concurrent communication of a fire ignition suppressant fluid or gas through the fluid conduit, to all points in an electric circuit using the cable. Suppressant chambers may be located in or on or engaged with junction boxes in such circuits to locally extinguish electrical fires. Fluid nozzles may be operatively engaged with sidewalls of the junction box to disburse fire suppressant therefrom.

This application is a continuation in part application to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/230,813 filed on Dec. 21, 2018 which is acontinuation in part application to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/913,959 filed on Feb. 23, 2016 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/119,004, filed on Feb. 20,2015, all of which are respectively included herein in their entirety bythis reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present device relates to electric systems using cable whichemployed throughout the world for communication of electric wires from abuss to individual outlets and connections, as well as communicationsand other cabling systems. More particularly, the disclosed device andmethod relate to a cabling system including both electrical and/orcommunications wiring in concert with an adjacent fluid conduitemployable for communication of a fire ignition suppressant fluid or gassuch as Halon or a clean agent or inert gas, through the entire cablingsystem between a main panel and junction boxes and electrical connectionpoints along the conduit system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electricity delivery systems in buildings in the U.S. and most of theworld, have evolved for safety and servicing reasons to employ metal orpolymeric conduits, which provide a pathway therethrough for electricalwiring. Such wiring is employed for carrying current from a buss toindividual sockets and connectors for equipment requiring electricalpower and in other configurations for communications cables runningbetween points. Running the electric and other wiring through a systemof conduits protects it from wear over years of use and additionallyprovides access to retrofit or run new wiring subsequent to thecompletion of the walls of a structure which will encase the wiringtherein. Such conduit in some instances is employed for shielding thecontained wiring from EMF which can be generated by wires carryingelectricity and electrical signals.

Electricity is conventionally run in individual circuits from aconnection to the grid, through a circuit breaker connected to a centralbuss or other main connection. From the circuit breaker connection tothe central buss, the electric wiring extends in a circuit to one or aplurality of remote connectors to which equipment requiring electricityengages. Such circuits may include junction boxes and other connectorsdownstream. By junction boxes is meant any box or mounting componentadapted for joining wires or engaging sockets or distributing electricpower or lighting or any electrical box used for any such purpose.

The connection to components using electricity conventionally engagesthe appliance or device requiring electrical power, to the circuit,using sockets and junction boxes and switches which can also connectwith light fixtures and other components of conventional electricsystems. For safety reasons, each individual electrical circuit isconventionally wired to carry electricity at a particular amperage loadthat the equipment or devices anticipated to connect to the circuit willrequire during use. This is generally accomplished by increasing ordecreasing the diameter or size of the wires running through theelectrical conduits for larger or smaller current requirements for theequipment connecting to the respective circuit. This wire sizerequirement is also adjusted by the distance the circuit will travelfrom the connection to a circuit breaker at the main buss or junctionbox.

A circuit breaker or fuse conventionally connects each circuit to thebuss which is engaged to the power grid. The circuit breaker isgenerally sized to trip or open, to open the circuit should the amperageload, being drawn by equipment connected to points along the circuit,exceed the designed electrical load of the wiring for the circuit. Thus,the circuit breaker supplying a circuit will have a maximum amperagerating that will cause the circuit breaker to open should the electricload being drawn by equipment engaged to that circuit exceed theamperage rating of the circuit breaker.

This safeguard, designed into electric systems, is an important factorin preventing circuit overload and resulting fires which such can cause.In many instances an electrical fire caused by a circuit drawing excesselectric current can be catastrophic such as in a high rise building, ahospital, or on a ship far from port where a fire can threaten the livesof all aboard.

However, even the best designed electrical system is not a totalsafeguard from an electrical fire caused by circuit overload, resistiveheating at junctions or sockets, loose connectors, sparking, overvoltage, or damaged electric lines and the like. For example, looseconnections at a socket or wire connection in a junction box, will notcause an overload of current which will trip a circuit breaker. However,loose connections, along with over voltage situations, can generateresistive heating and in some cases sparking, which can easily igniteadjacent flammable materials in walls and ceilings and the like.

Further, over time, by accident or design, circuit breakers can bereplaced with replacement breakers having amperage ratings exceeding thecircuit they supply. Such can easily occur during maintenance when acircuit breaker is replaced with one of higher amperage due to theinstalled circuit breaker constantly tripping. While electricians wouldnot make such a replacement, untrained personnel, owners and tenants,are well known for implementing such a fix.

Installing circuit breakers which have current ratings which exceed thatanticipated in the circuit, can easily result in resistive heating ofwiring along the circuit in places hidden from discovery such as inwithin conduits or junction boxes. This is caused by the circuit feedingelectricity to more equipment on the circuit with a sum amperage beingused which exceeds that for which the circuit was designed.

Further, loose connections along the circuit which cause resistiveheating to occur during normal operation with the correct breakerengaged in the circuit, will emit heat which is significantly increasedshould the circuit draw more current than the maximum design. Suchresistive heating and even sparking frequently occurs in junction boxeswhere multiple wires are engaged by wire nuts, terminal blocks, or inboxes housing electrical sockets and the like.

Additionally, connectors such as sockets and switches can over timebecome damaged or loose from the wire supplying them, or engaged in amanner which causes heating within the conduits and junction boxes.Again such occurs out of sight by users and inspectors, but adjacentflammable wood or plastic or insulation materials in walls and floorswhich become pyrolyzed from continuous or instantaneous overheating willhave a reduced ignition temperature.

Such overheating of wiring in a junction box, or wall box holding anelectrical socket or switch can thus easily become an ignition sourceand the cause of a fire. This is especially dangerous, since with theheat generated by loose connections or wires running electricityexceeding the wire capacity, continues for the duration of the ongoingcommunication of electrical current to the circuit. Thus, not only doesthe wiring become hot enough to ignite the insulation covering thewires, or the walls, ceilings, floors, and other adjacent flammablematerials, this heat continues as long as the circuit is powered, andeven after a fire has erupted in most cases leading to faster firespread.

Of course, such an ignition source and resulting fire is hidden andextremely hard to initially detect and just as hard to extinguish oncediscerned. Thus, the risk of fire ignition and passage through interiorwall cavities from overheated electric circuits and the like, is notreadily apparent to a layman, but is well known to those in the businessof electrical fire safety.

Often, as employees and firefighters do not have access to suchrelatively small spaces in order to view and discern flames, and toextinguish the flames, as typical water suppression systems are notsupposed to be applied to electrically generated fires as that can poseadditional fire safety risk for first responders or inhabitants trappedby the fire and the resultant fire spreads. Consequently, these firescan spread easily and quickly, even through structures constructed offire-resistant material. Such a fire can ignite in the cable or wiringitself in a wall or ceiling if it becomes overheated or has been damagedby abrasion, rodents, lighting, or by other means where it can beexposed or slightly cut. Such fires can ignite in a junction box of asocket or where multiple conduits connect in a wall, to become a raginginferno and spread quickly from the ignition source by traveling throughinterior spaces of the ceiling or walls.

Still further, in these modern and uncertain times, fires in wiringbetween circuit breakers and junction boxes can be ignited by anelectromagnetic pulse caused by nuclear detonation of either aconventional or what is known as a “dirty” bomb. Such an electromagneticpulse occurred in Hawaii, decades past when testing by the militarydetonated over the Pacific Ocean, and could easily occur again in thisuncertain world. One such occasion, the copper conductors of allconventional cable wiring systems can instantly overheat whichcould/would lead to insulation degradation and fire. Such for examplecan occur as a result of directed energy weapons.

While such potential from overheated circuits of all kinds is dangerousin homes, the risk of harm and loss of life is significantly higher incommercial establishments, high rises, and especially in airplanes,space ships, container ships or cruise ships, since a fire on the opensea in such metal ships spreads quickly and can cause massive loss oflife.

Accordingly, the ability to confine an electrically ignited fire to asingle room or area, may depend upon the ability to preclude its travelthrough walls and electrical fixtures, or to accelerate to a larger firesubsequent to ignition. Although previously described conduit systemsand fire-proof and fire-resistant junction boxes are formed of materialsmeant to resist the flames, conventional conduit style electric wiringsystems provide no means to extinguish a fire, once ignited in thecircuit or in wall or ceiling or other space adjacent thereto, or in ajunction box where such cables engage other cables or sockets forappliances. While the noted, use of conduit for communication ofelectrical wiring through buildings and ships and aircraft provides apathway to contain the wiring, the heat and smoke generated thereineasily escapes to the surrounding area and initiates fires.

However, conventional wiring and infrastructure systems provide noconcurrent and jointly communicating pathway for the communication andactivation of fire suppression chambers, and suppression devices andcomponents. Instead, such fire suppression materials must be brought tothe source of an electrical fire from a remote position such as a fireextinguisher. Such takes time by the time a wall-hidden orconduit-hidden fire is ongoing but first detected. This time wasted, inseeking out a fire suppressant supply and communicating it to the exactlocation of the previously hidden electrical fire, gives that fire timeto spread even further or significantly intensify due to continuedelectrical heating, where the resulting flames travel through walls andconduits of the structure.

As such there is an unmet need for a cabling system and methodconfigured to route both wiring of electrical circuits in paralleladjacent pathways and through junction boxes and the like, whichconcurrently allows for positioning of a fire suppression chamber andsupply system proximate to any potential fire generated in a conduit orwall or structure. Such a cabling device and method, in addition toproviding suppression at or proximate to the point of any hidden orviewable electrical fire, should allow for concurrent positioning for afire suppression pathway and suppression chambers along and adjacenteach circuit of electrical wiring. Such a system should also providesite specific fire suppression components positionable in junction andaccess areas and adjacent electric wires in the conduit system, whichwill automatically deliver fire suppressant to an overheated circuit.Such a cabling system when employed for fire suppression should also,once activated at a position along the conduit system for electricalwiring, provides a means for cutting electrical power to the individualcircuit which has overheated and for signaling and alerting employeesand emergency personnel of an overheated circuit or fire caused by one,even where that fire is not yet viewable.

The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewithare intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not implyany limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Variouslimitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled inthe art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below andthe accompanying drawings.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cabling system andmethod, which includes a concurrent installation of both electriccircuits and a fluid conduit and suppression chambers, adapted forsupply by centrally supplied fire suppressant circuits, which arecommunicable in concert with the electrical wiring pathway from acircuit breaker buss to and through each junction box and housing alongthe path of each electrical circuit.

It is an additional object of the system herein to provide forsuppressant-delivering components such as suppression chambers which areengageable with the fluid tubing along a fire suppressant pathwayrunning adjacent or coaxial with the electrical conduit, which willself-activate to communicate fire suppressant to a circuit which hasoverheated due to resistive heating automatically.

It is an additional object of the cabling system and method herein toprovide means to alert the user of a fire or resistive heating orsparking in an electric circuit, even where hidden by walls or conduits,along with the concurrent automatic release of fire retardant to thesource of the resistive heating or sparking.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cablehaving a fluid conduit and wires which is thereby configured forconcurrent routing of electrical wires and a fluid pathway for fluiddelivery such as a flame retardant material.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide such a cablesystem which is configured to extinguish fires from sparking andresistive heating and the like in any electric circuit betweenjunctions, as well as sense activation of such a fire suppression andconcurrently cut electrical power to that circuit.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the advantages thereof, over existing prior art,which will become apparent from the description to follow, areaccomplished by the improvements described in this specification andhereinafter described in the following detailed description which fullydiscloses the invention, but should not be considered as placinglimitations thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodiedand broadly described herein, the present invention provides a systemand method which includes a cabling system enabling the adjacentconcurrent routing and proximal positioning, of both wires carryingelectricity and a fluid conduit or tube. The tube or conduit for fluidflow, can be configured to automatically dispensed fire suppressant,within the conduits, junction boxes, and other components of an electricwiring system for communicating electrical power. The tubing or conduitproviding fire suppressant circuits of the cabling system are configuredto run along the same pathways through a structure as the wires andelectrical junctions of an enclosed electrical system circuit. Employingthe cabling and connectable components herein, both the electric wiringand fire suppressant system may be installed concurrently duringconstruction of the structure or vehicle, where the electric system isinstalled.

The system herein provides an electric cable surrounded by a sheath orcover which also includes a tubing or conduit pathway for communicationof fluid or gas along the electric pathway of the cable. The cabling maybe thus employed in one mode for delivery of a pressurized firesuppressant supply, which runs within or in combination with andparallel to the electric wiring in an electric conduit pathway forwiring. Some of the further components employable with the cablingsystem herein for fire suppression, include for example, suppressantchambers, junction box-housed fire suppressant dispensers, which areproximate to the positioning of electric wires joined in a circuit orwhich communicate in connections to sockets or connectors in a junctionbox which in turn connect to electricity-consuming devices.

The system includes retardant dispensing components adapted forengagement to the fluid conduit of the cabling, which are configured foroperative positioning in engagements within or to junction boxes,sub-panels, and socket or connection boxes, light fixture mounts, andthe like. The dispensing components are configured to engage electricsockets and connectors as well as junctions between wires which enter orexit therefrom. The fluid conduit itself is formed of a material adaptedto melt at a temperature indicative of a fire or overload from resistiveheating and dispense suppressant at locations in-between the circuitbuss disconnect assemblies, and junction boxes.

Connections between fluid conduit or tubing and dispensing components inone preferred mode of the system, employ circular junction pointsalthough alternative configurations can optionally include specificterminal male or female connectors for easy disassembly and access. Thejunction boxes having retardant dispensing components operativelymounted therein or thereto, may also include sub panel breakers andbusses, and/or sockets engageable with appliances or lighting or otherdevices consuming electric power.

To inhibit the spread of electrical fires, the junction box and otherinter-connecting components for connecting and routing of electriccircuits, may additionally contain or have attached, a suppressantdispensing component such as a suppressant chamber, capable of holding areservoir and releasing a specific volume of fire retardant materialinto the housing or junction box or the like. The tubing or fluidconduit of the cabling herein, can supply this fire retardant from acentral source also, or in some systems charge each such suppressantdispensing component or chamber forming a local reservoir, andcommunicate additional suppressant from a central or remote source at adistal end of the fluid conduit.

In the preferred mode of the device, the suppressant chamber, whenoperatively engaged with the fluid conduit, can be composed of a thinhousing, which can be ruptured by impact, or which is configured of athickness and of a material which will melt or open when exposed to atemperature level, indicative or generated by a fire or from overheatingcaused by resistive heating in wiring, prior to an ignition of a fire.The device should be configured for the fluid tubing or conduit of thecabling to engage and accommodate and dispense fire retardants which areeither gas or liquid at room temperature such as Halon, and to provide acontinuous or a specific volume communication of such to a locale untilturned off.

Additionally preferred, junction boxes for electrical wires and socketsand the like, may contain two or more suppressant ports, configured toengage with the fluid conduit of the cabling to draw retardant materialfrom multiple sources, such as nearby junction boxes, for increased firefighting capability.

It is preferred in one mode, that a dispensing component such as asuppressant chamber or port include a visible viewable suppressantwindow, thus allowing for visual confirmation of the presence of aretardant supply therein. The suppressant ports or suppressant chamberscan additionally contain one or a combination of fire and retardantactivation sensors from a group including heat sensors, microphones,pressure sensors, dyes, color reactive films, accelerometers or contactswitches.

One or many flow sensors attached to the fire suppressant buss supplyingthe fire suppressant to fluid conduit of the cabling, or embedded withinthe suppressant ports or at locations on the fluid conduit, can also beused to detect a suppressant chamber rupture or a dispensing ofretardant, and to send a signal to a central monitoring station, and/orto the circuit breaker supplying the individual electric circuit, toturn off electric power. Additionally, weight measurements can bemonitored of fire suppressant tanks and should the weight of the tankdrop, the electrical power can be disconnected.

The sensor data can either be displayed proximal to individualsuppressant component positions of the system, or through an externallight or viewing screen, or viewing window. Such data might also berouted as an electric or preferably wireless signal to a central panelfor efficient and simultaneous monitoring and diagnosis of all devicesrunning along individual tubing pathways in the system. Remote displaypanels should contain means to uniquely identify the retardant tubing inrelation to the circuit it supplied to each junction box by descriptionor identification number.

In another or second preferred mode of the device, a local supply of theretardant material may be stored within the suppressant chamber and assuch, the suppressant chamber formed as part of or engaged with thejunction box, may dispense retardant which may be supplied orreplenished by a conduit connection to the suppressant tubing system.All or at least portions of the suppressant chamber should be formed ofmaterial, such as HDPE, pfa, nylon or similar polymeric material.

The cabling herein, in all preferred modes, is configured to include androute one or more electric wires, and at least one adjacent fluidconduit, both of which are surrounded by an outer jacket or sheath. Thisconfiguration of both wiring and fluid conduits within an axial passageof a surrounding jacket or sheath, allows for easy concurrentinstallation of both a suppressant carrying conduit for gas or fluid,and electrical wires, in a manner similar to the conventionalinstallation of wiring cables such as ROMEX or shielded cabling. Whenthe fluid conduit is configured to carry fire suppressant, all orportions of the fluid conduit may be formed of material adapted to meltor rupture upon reaching a temperature indicative of fire or overheatingfrom resistive heating or sparking. Thus, the same cabling provides forcommunication of fluid or gas flame suppressant supplies to all pointson the installed electric cable system, from the circuit breaker to allpoints along the circuit.

In one preferred mode of the device, where suppressant is supplied fromone end, the cabling includes a sheath or flexible jacket surroundingthe electric cables and a fluid conduit which may include a series ofperforations in the sheath. These perforations have been shown inexperimentation, to allow for trimming during installation. Further,during testing unexpectedly it was found that the perforations orapertures also provided pathways for the dispensing of fire retardantmaterial, to areas surrounding the cabling, should the tubing or fluidconduit carrying the retardant, be exposed to fire or heat within a wallwhich is of a temperature which will melt it. Additionally, one or acombination of currently available electrical protection devices canalso be employed within the junction box for additional protection froma group including surge protectors, dedicated fuses, arc faultprotective devices, and ground fault intercepts.

When the cabling herein is employed in forming electric circuits, thejunction boxes or gang boxes and the like, should be composed of one ora combination of durable fire resistant materials such as metal,aluminum, code-allowed plastic, fiberglass, glass or ceramics. The fluidconduit of the cabling should be made of one or a combination ofpolymeric materials, which are non-reactive from a group includingpolymeric material, plastic, nylon, PVC, polyethylene, or fiberglass orother material which is inert in the presence of the fire suppressantcarried within.

Particularly preferred is the employment of High-density polyethylene(HDPE) for the fluid conduit included in the cabling. HDPE has beenshown in most indoor installations of the cabling herein to be superioras fluid conduit to supply retardant. This has been found to be due toHDPE's ability to maintain its structural integrity when exposed to heatbelow that of fire or potential fire over long periods of time. HDPE,pfa, nylon or other similar materials have a melting point ofsubstantially 400 degrees Fahrenheit which enhances the ability of thefluid conduit to stay strong and resist melting when adjacent toelectric circuits which can naturally heat daily during use.

For example, a common electric wiring insulator material is PVC whichmelts at a first melting temperature which is substantially at 320degrees Fahrenheit. As such, the material for the fluid conduit shouldpreferably stay intact and not rupture or leak to a second temperature,beyond the first temperature of 320 degrees Fahrenheit, which the wiresmight reach, carrying a high current load. Thus, nylon with a meltingpoint between 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, or High Densitypolyethylene, with a melting point substantially at 400 degreesFahrenheit would be good choices to maintain the fluid conduit intact,unless the circuit or area goes beyond a possible operating temperaturewhere a fire or potential fire is present. In all modes of the deviceherein, the melting temperature of the fluid conduit, or the secondmelting temperature, should preferably be above a first meltingtemperature of the insulation on the electric wires.

However, once the temperature threshold is reached due to overheating ofthe circuit such as from resistive heating, sparking, or fire, the fluidconduit will rupture and provide suppressant directly at the source ofthe fire anywhere along any circuit path allowing for purging ofconduits systems, concealed wall spaces or within dedicated enclosureassemblies.

Other non metal materials used for the fluid conduit duringexperimentation, showed signs of softening when exposed to heat overtime at temperatures below that which might be considered dangerous insome instances and thus could cause leaking and fire alarms where noneare present. Thus, system reliability in longer term installations, andwhere electric wiring carries current causing normal but ongoingheating, HDPE or nylon would be more preferable for use in the fluidconduit of the cabling when supplying fire suppressant and used withwiring carrying conventional PVC insulation. However, the material forthe fluid conduit can be changed or adjusted such that it will fail andrelease the fire suppressant at a temperature higher than normaloperating circuit temperatures.

The cabling system herein is described for the provision of cablinghaving both electric wires and a fluid conduit for supplying firesuppressant to allow for the easy installation of a combination wiringsystem and fire suppressing system during construction or retrofit of abuilding or structure. The cabling of the system herein would beespecially useful to protect cruise ships, hospitals, nursing homes,airplanes, submarines, museums, data centers, banks, undergroundbunkers, as well as the noted use in buildings, businesses, restaurants,and residences, or in any situation where one skilled in the art wouldconsider the ability to automatically sense potential or actualelectrical fires and extinguish them.

However, using the uniquely configured cable herein having both a fluidconduit and electrical wires in the same installed cabling component,the cabling can also be employed for other uses where electrical wiresalong with a fluid conduit would be beneficial. Such could include, butshould not be limited to, outside power distribution circuiting, eitherover roof tops, or in desert (solar farm) style applications, forproduction plants, in areas of weather having high heat for carryingelectricity, and other installations. In these modes, instead of fireretardant or suppressant being charged and delivered by the fluidconduit of the cabling, fluid conduit can be charged with a nonconductive coolant, glycol for example, which when flowing though thesystem can help with heat dissipation.

Additionally, the cabling herein would be helpful in very hotenvironments, where an engineer must de-rate (increase the size) of theconductors employed for carrying electric current to account for overheating due to ambient temperatures. Using the cabling herein with theunique combination fluid conduit and electrical wiring running adjacent,the user can employ the fluid conduit to flow the fluid to cool thecircuits. This could eliminate the expensive de-rating of wiring due tooutside or environmental ambient impacts.

Still further in another mode, components such as lamps could have smallcanisters of fire retardant mounted within the assembly and trance thepower circuit using the fluid gas line from strain relief up to lightsocket in combination with a simple locking switch, to either directlyshort the conductor to cause a breaker to trip or open should thecanister release.

As such, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of theherein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that thecabling invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangement of the components in the followingdescription or illustrated in the drawings which primarily are directedto the use of the combination fluid and electrical conduit in buildings,structures and vehicle for fire suppression. The cabling system hereindescribed and disclosed in the various modes and combinations is alsocapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Any suchalternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in the art isconsidered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As can be discerned, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilizedas a basis for designing of other systems of cabling with concurrent andadjacent positioning of electrical circuits and at least one fluidcarrying conduit. It is important, therefore, that the claims beregarded as including such equivalent construction and methodologyinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate some, but not the only, nor exclusiveexamples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed system. It isintended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to beconsidered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting inany fashion. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a junction box employable with thecabling herein, depicted for example in FIGS. 8-17.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the junction box of FIG. 1 engaged inoperative engagement with the cabling herein carrying both electricwires and one or more fluid conduit lines carrying fire suppressant.

FIG. 3 displays a perspective view of one preferred mode of the cablingof the system herein which is formed with wires for electriccommunication in parallel adjacent positioning with at least one fluidconduit configured for fluid or gas flow therethrough, such as a firesuppressant fluid.

FIG. 4 shows an electric junction box configured for engagement with thecabling herein, showing in exploded view, a suppressant chamber engagedas a cover.

FIG. 4a depicts the junction box of FIG. 4, assembled.

FIG. 5 depicts a gang box configured for positioning of electricswitches, having a suppressant chamber with opposing openings, adaptedfor engagement with the electric wires and fluid conduit of the cablingherein.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the cabling herein employed as a firesuppressant system having both electrical circuits and fluid conduitscarrying fire suppressant, running from a central position or switchroom.

FIG. 7 depicts a mode of employment of the cabling herein in a firesuppressant system, showing the electrical buss for electric circuitbreakers and the retardant supply buss positioned to route retardantthrough the fluid conduit of the cabling, where both the fluid conduitand electric wires run in the cabling in a substantially parallelcommunication to different electric circuits.

FIG. 8 shows the cabling herein having a fluid conduit with wiringpositioned in the sidewall forming the fluid conduit and a surroundingflexible sheath.

FIG. 9 shows the cabling herein formed with a fluid conduit and wiringrunning through the axial passage of the surround flexible sheath.

FIG. 10 depicts the cabling herein in another mode with a plurality ofelectric wires and at least one fluid conduit running axially throughthe surrounding sheath which has perforations or sequential alignedapertures formed therein.

FIG. 11 shows the cabling of the system herein wherein the plurality ofwires carried in the sheath axial passage is four, and a single fluidconduit runs parallel thereto.

FIG. 12 depicts a mode of the device wherein electric wires arepositioned within the material forming the fluid conduit in a unitarystructure of cables and fluid conduit.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the mode of cabling of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows that the cabling can carry both a plurality of electricwires as well as one or more communications cables which run within theaxial passage of the surrounding sheath along with the fluid conduit.

FIG. 15 depicts the cabling of FIG. 14 showing perforations orsequentially aligned apertures formed in the sheath providing the axialpassage for the fluid conduit and wires.

FIG. 16 shows a mode of the cabling herein having an flexible butarmored sheath surrounding the axial passage carrying at least one fluidconduit and one or the shown plurality of wires for electric current.

FIG. 17 depicts the cabling herein, wherein the electric wires arecarried in the sidewall forming the fluid conduit herein, where thewires may be extruded with the fluid conduit, or pressed into channelsformed in the exterior of the fluid conduit.

FIG. 18 shows differing connectors for engaging the fluid conduit ofdifferent cables for fluid flow therebetween.

FIG. 19 depicts a sliced view showing an interior passage of a fluidconduit in a sealed engagement with a fluid connector such as in FIG.18.

FIG. 20 shows exemplars of a sub panel, in exploded view, which isadapted for engagement with both the wires, and the fluid conduit of thecabling herein, to provide electric power to the buss and firesuppressant to the fluid dispenser.

FIG. 21 shows the sub panel of FIG. 20 assembled and ready forengagement with both the wires and fluid conduit of the cablin herein.

FIG. 22 shows the cabling herein with the wires and fluid conduit of thecabling in operative engagement with a junction box, and fluid dispensershowing a fluid dispensing sprayer engageable with the fluid dispenser.

FIG. 23 shows the cabling of the system herein, connected in a circuitfor both the fluid conduit and wiring.

FIG. 24 shows the cabling of the system herein providing both wiring anda fluid conduit operatively engaged to provide fire suppressive materialfor both socket connectors as well as overhead dispensers of firesuppressant, such as in a server room.

FIG. 25 depicts a mode of the cable for the system herein having romextype wires running the axial passage of the surrounding sheath alongwith the fluid conduit.

FIGS. 26A-26C show views of a mode of the cable herein wherein the wirerunning within the axial passageway within the sheath of the cable isformed in a tubular fashion with wires within insulation which isconfigured to form a channel providing the fluid conduit.

FIGS. 27A-27B depict views of a mode of the cable for the system hereinwherein the wires are in an encircling wind in engagements with theexterior of the polymeric material forming a fluid conduit which runsthrough the axial passageway of the sheath of the cable.

FIG. 28 shows a junction box adapted for engagement of a socket thereinand showing a chamber for holding retardant fluid therein which isslidably engageable into the junction box and has connectors 31 forprovision of retardant fluid flow into and out of the chamber.

FIG. 29 depicts a junction box of the system herein which has the fluidchamber formed as an upper portion of the junction box whereinelectrical connections, such as to a socket, are positioned within thecavity of the junction box at a position underneath the fluid chamber.

FIGS. 30-30A show front and rear views of an especially preferred modeof a junction box of the system herein which is formed in a unitarystructure of chamber and junction box wherein the formed chambersurrounds the internal cavity of the junction box which may be adaptedfor mounting or housing any electric connection such as the depictedsocket engaged therein.

FIG. 31 depicts a junction box of the system herein similar in functionto that of FIG. 30 where hollow sidewalls, surrounding the interiorcavity which is adapted for the appropriate electric connection andfluid conduits communicate fluid through the passages in the hollowsidewalls.

FIG. 32 shows a mode of a junction box of the system herein wherein theinternal cavity of the junction box is accessible through a first sideopening by removal of a conventional cover and which has a fluid chamberengaged to the opposing side opening which is adapted with connectorsfor fluid flow therethrough.

FIG. 33 depicts a junction box configured with one or a plurality ofopenings for passage of wires therethrough operatively into and out ofthe internal cavity and showing an insertable circuitous fluid tubeholder for the tube which has connectors on both ends for operativeconnection to the fluid conduit.

FIG. 34 shows the device as in FIG. 33, assembled with the fluid tubeholder and tube engaged thereon operatively positioned within aninternal cavity of the junction box.

FIG. 34A depicts a junction box configured with one or a plurality ofopenings for passage of wires therethrough similar to FIG. 33, andshowing an insertable circuitous fluid tube holder engageable to form acircuitous path for the tube through the junction box wherein it formsthe reservoir.

FIG. 34B shows the device as in FIG. 34A assembled with the fluid tubeholder and tube wound thereon, operatively positioned within an internalcavity of the junction box.

FIG. 35 depicts an extension cord configured with a fluid conduit forfire retardant of the system herein wherein retardant for the fluidconduit can be provided by an onboard pressurized supply or by a plugand receptacle adapted to sealably engage and communicate the retardantfluid from the fluid conduit communicating to the junction box.

FIG. 36 depicts the extension cord similar to that of FIG. 35 whereinthe cord housing engages with the wall socket.

FIG. 37 shows a component of the system herein operating in a similarfashion to that of FIGS. 30-31 showing a housing formed to surround anelectric inverter wherein the housing sidewall surrounding the internalcavities and components therein are hollow and form passages for fluidretardant therein.

FIG. 38 depicts a junction box for the system herein, which has fluidnozzles formed to emit a directional flow of fire suppressant fluidtherefrom.

FIG. 39 shows exemplars of some of the nozzles which can be formed toemit a narrow, pointed, or wide flood of suppressant fluid therefrom.

FIG. 40 shows a mode of the device herein, wherein the nozzles areformed in an engageable nozzle panel in a fluid-sealed engagement withthe junction box where the nozzle panels can be from a kit of suchincluding a variety of fluid directing nozzles formed in such nozzlepanels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings in FIGS. 1-40, wherein similar componentsare identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1, andother drawings where components are configured for operative engagementwith the cabling 11 herein, to provide one or a plurality of wires andat least one fluid conduit, in the same cable 11 surrounded by a sheath24 or cover. As noted, the cable 11 herein is employable with othersystems where the parallel and concurrent positioning of both a fluidconduit 26 and electric wires 28 along the entire path of the same cable11 would be beneficial.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the cable 11, such as in FIG. 3 or FIGS. 8-17herein, is employed to provide a combination electric wiring system andfluid passage for a fire suppressant system, the cable 11 is operativelyengageable with other components in the system such as a junction box 12or gang box or terminal box component, which is meant as any electricalbox or the like used to join wires, engage sockets, lighting, subcircuits or for other purposes for such electrical boxes. The junctionbox 12 may be configured to house both electric connections therein suchas to or between other wires 28, and/or an electric socket 16, and/or afire suppressant component or chamber 18, or other fire suppressionfluid or gas emitter.

The cable 11, when employed in a fire suppressing electrical system 10,is deployable in a variety of configurations, such as with one or moregang boxes or junction boxes 12, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 5, forexample. Such a junction box 12, surrounds and secures the electricalconnections between two or more of the wires 28 which enter or exitthrough one or more apertures defining openings 14.

Such junction boxes 12 are known by other names and surround connectionsmid circuit and are also used for sockets, light fixtures, and a widevariety of connections. However, this description should not be limitingas junction box 12 should be considered to be any housing where cablesare joined, divided, connected to an electric device, or for otherpurposes. Although the openings 14 shown herein in the system 10 consistof circular apertures formed in the junction box 12, alternativeconstructions can optionally include specific male or female connectorsfor easy disassembly and access.

As an example, the junction boxes 12 may be configured to engage withconventional sockets 16 or switches 17 of electric fixtures, and/or wire28 connections with wire nuts, terminal blocks, and other conventionallyemployed electrical components and junctions to configure the system forengagement of components to the electrical power within.

To inhibit the spread of electrical fires, in the system herein,junctions between conduits and wiring in the electrical system such asat any type of junction box 12, may also include a suppressant chamber18. The suppressant chamber 18 is configured to receive and hold asupply of fire suppressant or retardant such as Halon gas from the fluidconduit 26 which communicates with a central supply under pressure. Thesuppressant chamber 18 holds such fire suppressant or retardant withinan internal cavity defined by the walls forming the suppressant chamber18. The suppressant chambers 18 may be configured to hold a local supplyof retardant therein, should the fluid conduit 26 supplying the systemfail, thus maintaining a local sealed supply of retardant or suppressantin each chamber 18 if the fluid conduit 26 is compromised. This can bedone using valves on the inlet 29 and an outlet 29 of the suppressantchamber 18. Or the suppressant chamber 18 may be provided a fluid supplyfrom the fluid conduit 26 which is communicated from a reservoir ofsuppressant.

The system 10 is configured such that any damage to the junction box 12or its contents, through excess heat or fire, such as caused byelectrical short or over-heated wiring 28, will melt and cause a ruptureof all or portions of the suppressant chamber 18. Upon the formation ofa heat induced rupture, the retardant or suppressant within or suppliedto the suppressant chamber 18, is communicated to the fire oroverheating area. As shown, the fluid conduit 26, can supply eachsuppressant chamber 18 and junction box 12, with a continuouspressurized supply of retardant or fire suppressant which will continueto extinguish or prevent a fire from getting larger. As noted, all, orat least portions of the fluid conduit 26 itself, can be formed ofmaterial adapted to melt and rupture at a threshold temperature, andcommunicate the fire suppressant to adjacent areas anywhere the cablemay be located in a wiring system, such as in-between junction boxes 12and fixtures and a circuit breaker buss.

In one preferred mode of the system 10, all or portions of thesuppressant chamber 18 can be composed of material, such as HDPE, pfa,nylon or similar polymeric material with a wall thickness which iscalculated to melt and or otherwise open when exposed to a temperatureover a determined safe level or when exposed to fire. This will cause acontinuous dispensing of fire retardant or suppressant to extinguish thefire, or prevent one, by preventing oxygen from reaching the heatsource. With regard to the wall thickness, it can calculate to fail, dueto the internal pressure within the suppressant chamber 18, when heatedto a point the wall will distend and fail.

Shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and 5, the junction box 12 is adapted tooperatively engage with the fluid conduit 26 either through a conduitopening 20, or by communication of the entire cable 11 through anopening 14. Each suppressant chamber 18 is configured for a sealedengagement with the fluid conduit 26 running through the cable 11herein, to provide the suppressant chamber 18 with a fluid or gassuppressant supply.

For such engagement for example, the suppressant chamber 18 can beconfigured with one or a plurality of flanges 19 with axial passagesinto the interior cavity of the suppressant chamber 18, which act asinputs or outputs for fluid to continue the communication of thesuppressant through the chamber 18 to subsequent chambers 18 along afluid circuit with connections therebetween by the fluid conduit 26running through the axial passage 23 of the sheath 24 of the cable 11along with the wires 28.

Preferably, the junction box 12 should include a suppressant window 22for visual inspection to confirm a local supply of retardant orsuppressant is present within the suppressant chamber 18 which isviewable through the window 22.

One or a plurality of flow and/or pressure sensors 31 may be placed incommunication with suppressant axial passage 23 running through thefluid conduit 26 such as in FIG. 7. For example, sensors 31 such aspressure supply meters, flow sensors, or pressure sensors, shown in FIG.7 and/or other electronic sensors which may discern a pressure drop in afluid conduit 26 circuit, can be operatively engaged with each fluidcircuit which parallels an electric circuit running through a cable 11.

The sensor data can either be displayed proximal to the system 10,through an external light or screen, or routed to a central safety videodisplay panel, for efficient and simultaneous monitoring and diagnosisof all systems 10, or in a particularly preferred mode, such as shown inFIG. 7 for example, a signal from the sensors 31 will be communicated ina wired or wireless fashion to a circuit breaker 33 powering the samewire or wires 28 running through a cable 11 with a fluid conduit 26. Thesignal will cause the circuit breaker 33 to open, and switch offelectric power to the wires 28 in the cable 11 of the circuit wheresuppressant is being dispensed and which has caused the sensor 31 togenerate a signal. Remote display panels, if displaying a sensor signalgeneration, should contain means to uniquely identify the location andcircuit of the sensor 31 generating it. Such a signal could be generatedby a weight sensor 31 to allow the system to monitor the weights of thefire suppressant tanks and should the weights fall below a certainthreshold, it can shut that circuit down as well.

Depicted in FIG. 3 is one example of the cable 11 herein, showing thesheath 24 forming an axial passageway 23 which provides a pathway forone or more wires 28, and at least one adjacent running fluid conduits26, as shown, although a plurality of fluid conduits 26 can be includedin a cable 11.

Formation of the cable 11 with wires 28 and a fluid conduit 26 runningin an axial passageway 23 defined by the surrounding sheath 24, allowsfor easy instillation of the cable 11 in a fashion much likeconventional conduit routed electrical systems, thereby allowingconcurrent positioning of both wires 28 and a fluid conduit 26throughout the system.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 10, and 15, the sheath 24 may include an array ofaligned apertures 32 which allow for easier trimming duringinstallation. Further, these apertures 32 provide vents to communicatefire suppressant from the fluid conduit 26 if a fire or heat melts thefluid conduit 26 to a rupture in between junction boxes 12. The fluidconduit 26, as noted, should be made of any non-reactive, durablematerial such as polymeric material, nylon, PVC or fiberglass, or mostpreferably HDPE or PFA, which has a melting point which will cause arupture the fluid conduit 26 at an appropriate temperature above theoperating temperature of the wires 28, to extinguish or retard a fire ifneeded. The flexible sheath 24 would also preferably be formed of asimilar material to that of the fluid conduit 26, such that it will notmelt or rupture in areas where the fluid conduit 26 is also adapted tooperate which may be hot.

Shown in FIGS. 4 and 4 a is a mode of the junction box 12 which isdepicted with the suppressant chamber 18, configured to engage andprovide a removable cover for the internal cavity of box 12. Such wouldwork well at junctions between main and sub circuits of the electricalsystem.

In FIG. 5 there is shown a gang box or junction box 12 configured forengagement of electric switches 17. This mode of the junction box 12 isengaged with a suppressant chamber 18 with connections 29 on both ends,for the fluid conduit 26 for a throughput of suppressant supplied by thefluid conduit 26 through the chamber 18 and on to a subsequent chamber18. Windows 22 in the faceplate allow for viewing of the contents of thesuppressant chamber 18.

In FIG. 6 there is depicted an example of the system 10 herein using thecable 11 for positioning of both electrical circuits of the wire 28 andfire suppressant circuits of the fluid conduits 26 running to remotepositions from a main electrical connection buss and retardant supplybuss.

Shown in FIG. 7, as noted above, shows the system where various circuitsof the fluid conduit 26 of each cable 11 connect to a pressurizedsuppressant supply in a fluid buss. The wires 28 from each respectivecable 11 connect to one of the breakers 33 of an electric buss 35.Gauges 39 and/or sensors 31 are engaged to suppressant circuits of eachfluid conduit 26 and will sense the current pressurization level in eachsuch circuit formed by a fluid conduit 26 in a cable 11. The fluidconduit 26 and wires 28 of each cable 11 are routed through the axialpassageway 23 of the sheath 24 with the wires 28 therein, therebyproviding parallel and concurrent communication of electrical power andfluid such as fire suppression along the entire route of each individualcircuit of the electrical system.

As noted, FIG. 8 shows the cable 11 herein having a fluid conduit 26 anda plurality of wires 28, both positioned in axial passage 23 of asurrounding flexible sheath 24 holding the components of the cable 11adjacent. In the mode of FIG. 8, the material forming the sidewall ofthe fluid conduit 26, is engaged with the plurality of wires 28 duringextrusion of the fluid conduit 26. Thus, the fluid conduit 26 andplurality of wires 28 running through the material forming it, are aunitary structure of wires 28 and fluid conduit 26.

In FIG. 9 is shown the cable 11 or cabling herein configured with afluid conduit 26 and wires 28 running through the axial passage 23 ofthe surround flexible sheath 24. The cable 11 so formed, can be woundinto rolls or spools which can be unwound and installed in aconventional fashion thereby encouraging widespread use.

FIG. 10 depicts the cable 11 herein in another mode with a plurality ofthree electric wires 28 and at least one fluid conduit 26 runningaxially through the surrounding sheath 24. The wall of the sheath 24includes aligned and sequentially positioned apertures 32 which as notedallow for easier cutting of the cable 11 as well as provide vents forpassage of fire suppressant from the interior of the sheath 24.

FIG. 11 shows the cable 11 of the system herein wherein the plurality ofwires carried in the sheath 24 axial passage is four, and a single fluidconduit 26 runs parallel thereto.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a mode of the cable 11 wherein electric wires 28are positioned during extrusion within the material forming the fluidconduit 26, and form the fluid conduit 26 and wires 28 in a unitarystructure.

FIG. 14 shows that the cable 11 or cabling with a plurality of electricwires 28 as well as one or more communications cables 28 a which runwithin the axial passage of the surrounding sheath 24 along with thefluid conduit 26. As with all other modes of the formed cable 11, it canbe wound on large reels and dispensed during installation.

FIG. 15 shows the cable 11 of FIG. 14 having the sequentially positionedapertures 32 formed in the sheath 24 providing the axial passage for thefluid conduit 26 and wires 28.

In FIG. 16 is shown the cable 11 or cabling herein having an armoredsheath 24 surrounding the axial passage carrying at least one fluidconduit 26 and one or the shown plurality of wires 28 for electriccurrent.

FIG. 17 depicts the cable 11 or cabling herein, wherein the electricwires 28 are carried in the sidewall forming the fluid conduit 26herein. As shown, the wires 28 may be pressed into channels formed inthe exterior of the sheath 24 surrounding the fluid conduit 26.

FIG. 18 shows differing connectors 31 for sealed engagement between endsof the fluid conduits 26, allowing a number thereof to be fluidlyengaged.

In FIG. 19 is depicted a sliced view showing an interior passage of afluid conduit 26 in a sealed engagement with a fluid connector such asany of those in FIG. 18.

In FIGS. 20-21 are depicted exemplars of a sub panel junction box 12 ofan electric system, which is adapted for engagement with both the wires28, and the fluid conduit 26 of the cable 11 herein, to provide electricpower to the buss and fire suppressant to the fluid dispenser. Thesuppressant chamber 18 in the mode shown, has multiple inlet and outletflanges 19 to allow the flow of suppressant to flow into and through thechamber 18 downline to the rest of the circuit.

FIG. 22 shows the cable 11 herein with the contained wires 28 and fluidconduit 26 of the cable 11, in operative engagement with a junction box12, and fluid dispenser 18 engaged with a fluid dispensing sprayer 38adapted to direct a downward flow of suppressant when activated by heatabove a predetermined level. Such would be employed for example on aceiling of a room to be protected.

Shown in FIG. 23 is a depiction of the cable 11 herein, installed in astructure and providing both wiring 28 and a fluid conduit 26 which maybe operatively engaged with a junction box 12 hosting a socket 16, toprovide fire suppressive material through the fluid conduit 26 to thedepicted junction box 12 and a subsequent junction box 12 or other pointserviced by the cable 11 extending therefrom.

An example of an installation of the system is shown in FIG. 24 wherethe cable 11 provides the path for fire suppressive fluid for bothsocket connectors as well as overhead dispensers or sprayers 38 of firesuppressant, such as in a server room. The cable 11 may be anyderivation of cable 11 shown and described herein as may the junctionboxes 12 and other components.

FIG. 25 depicts a mode of the cable 11 for the system herein configuredwith romex type wires 28 running the axial passageway 23 of the sheath24 surrounding the components of the cable 11. The fluid conduit 26having an axial passage 25 for retardant communication therethrough isshown running adjacent the wires 11 formed into the romex with allrunning through the axial passageway 23 of the sheath 24 which is shownwith apertures 32 therein.

The cable 11 herein as noted may be configured to form the axial passage25 therein or position the fluid conduit 26 having an axial passage 25therein which runs axially through the cable 11. This is shown in FIGS.26A-26C which depict versions of the cable 11 employable herein whereinthe wires 28 running within the axial passageway 23 within the sheath 24are extruded or molded into in polymeric insulation material extruded todefine sidewalls surrounding an axial cavity 27. This axial cavity 27itself may be employed for the axial passage 25 in substitute of a fluidconduit 26, or as shown in FIG. 26C the fluid conduit 26 can run axiallythrough the axial cavity 27.

Another mode of the cable 11 employable with the system herein is shownin FIGS. 27A-27B. As shown, some or all of the electric wires 28 may beengaged in a spiral wound or encircling winding engagement with theexterior of the polymeric material forming a fluid conduit 26. Thisspiral winding has been found in experimentation to provide excellentphase separation to cancel out flux and minimize electric noisegeneration. The fluid conduit 26 so formed is provides the axial passage25 for retardant communication through the system as needed. The wires28 in this spiral winding or encircling engagement with the sidewall ofthe polymeric material forming the fluid conduit 26 may be co-moldedtherein or as shown, may be frictionally or adhesively engaged withinslots 42 formed to wind around the exterior circumference of the fluidconduit 26. The sheath 24 with apertures therein would surround thewire-encircled fluid conduit 26 in same fashion as in other modes shownherein.

Shown in FIG. 28 is a mode of the junction box 12 which is configured tosurround an electric connection such as a switch or depicted socket 16within the cavity 13 surrounded by sidewall of the junction box 12. Inthis configuration, a chamber 18 for holding a local supply of retardantfluid therein, is slidably engageable into the cavity 13 formed in thejunction box 12. As shown the chamber 18 has at least one connection 29as an inlet for retardant into the chamber 18 and preferably has twoconnections 29 to allow a pressurized flow of retardant into, through,and out of the chamber 18. A window 22 formed into the socket or switchcover allows for both a viewing of the chamber 18 for visualconfirmation of the presence of retardant therein, and for disbursementof fire retardant from the suppression chamber 18 and into non concealedareas such as interior room space areas surrounding the junction box 12,should temperatures in that surrounding area, reach the melting point ofthe material forming the chamber 18 within the area communicatingthrough the window 22.

In FIG. 29 is shown a junction box 12 of the system herein which has thefluid chamber 18 engaged to form an upper portion and top sidewall ofthe junction box 12 wherein electrical connections such as to a socket16 are positioned within the cavity 13 of the junction box 12 defined bythe sidewalls of the junction box 12. As noted above, by junction box 12wherever used herein, is meant any housing employed in an eclecticwiring system wherein electric connections are made between wires 28carrying electric current be those connects by wire nuts, crimping,electric receptacles such as a socket 16 or switch, or any otherconventional electric connection positioned within the cavity 13 of thejunction box 12.

As shown in FIG. 29, in this mode of a junction box 12, with thesuppressant chamber 18 forming one sidewall of the cavity 13, heatwithin the cavity 13 sufficient to melt the wall of the suppressantchamber 18, formed as part of the junction box 12 and in communicationwith the cavity 13, will cause fire retardant to flood the cavity 13.Further, a projecting portion 37 of the suppression chamber 18 formed aspart of the junction box, projects therefrom in a position to projectinto and through the window 22. This positions the projecting portion 37of the suppression chamber 18 within the window 22. Thus the projectingportions 37 can be made to project through and forward of the window 22in the cover and into surrounding open room spaces where electrifiedcontent items may connect to junction box.

In FIGS. 30-30A are depicted front and rear views of an especiallypreferred mode of a junction box 12 of the system herein. The junctionbox 12 is shown with transparent sidewalls 15. As can be seen, thesidewalls 15 defining the cavity 13 of the junction box 12 haveconnected passages 21 within some or all of the sidewalls 15 whichdefine the cavity 13 of the junction box 12. Connections 29 forprovision of fire retardant communicate with the passages 21 on onesidewall to communicate the fire retardant into the passage 21 of atleast one sidewall, and preferably with passages 21 in other sidewalls15 surrounding the cavity 13 such that fire retardant will flow into andthrough all of the passages 21 where positioned in sidewalls 15 of ajunction box 12.

This mode of the system herein configures portions of the junction box12 itself to form the suppression chamber 18 in a unitary structure. Inoperation, should the electric connection within a cavity 13 of ajunction box 12 overheat, at least one of the surfaces of the sidewall15 defining the suppressant chamber within the junction box 12 andfacing the cavity 13, will melt and cause a communication of fireretardant from a passage 21 in that sidewall 15 into the cavity 13.Alternatively, portions of common walls between the sidewall 15 and thecavity 13 may be fully or partially formed of material adapted to meltat the temperature slightly higher or lower than that of the insulationon the wires and melt when temperature inside the cavity 13 exceeds themelting temperature of the 26 conduit.

Further shown in FIG. 30 is a projecting portion 37 of the suppressionchamber formed by the junction box 12 itself. This projecting portion 37in FIG. 30 is sized to project into or through the windows 22 in thecover plate which is shown covered by a hood 43. Should the projectingportion encounter a temperature high enough to melt, fire retardant fromthe suppression chamber, formed within the junction box 12 walls andcommunicating to the projecting portion 37, will be directed downward bythe hood 43.

In FIG. 31 is shown a junction box 12 of the system herein similar inoperation to that of FIG. 30, where internal passages 21 at least oneand preferably a plurality of the sidewalls 15 surrounding the interiorcavity 13 of the junction box 12, are in operative communication withthe axial passage 25 of the operatively engaged fluid conduit 26. Inthis fashion, fire retardant from the axial passage 25 communicatesunder pressure into one or more connected passages 25 formed within thesidewalls 15 surrounding the interior cavity 13 forming the suppressionchamber 18 within the walls of the junction box 12 which surround theinterior cavity 13 and any electric connection therein. As in FIG. 30the suppressant chamber 18, is thus at least partly within the walls ofthe junction box 12 itself which are adapted to melt at the notedtemperature levels herein.

Additionally shown in FIG. 31 are the series of pointed projections 49formed into the surfaces of the sidewall 15. Should resistive heat orfire develop within or adjacent the junction box 12 sufficient to meltthe sidewall 15, the pointed projections 49 will cause a directionalflow of fire suppressant gas or fluid therethrough as they individuallymelt. These projections 49 can be positioned within the interior cavity13 and/or on the exterior surfaces of the junction box 12 whereby fireretardant can be projected to areas adjacent the junction box 12. Thesetriangular projections 49 allow for the charged suppression space to becloser to connection points or energized components as so desired.

In FIG. 32 is depicted a junction box 12 of the system herein whereinthe internal cavity 13 of the junction box 12 is accessible through afirst side opening 44 by removal of a conventional cover plate 46.Covering the second side opening 50 opposite the first side opening 44is a suppression chamber 18 adapted to engage with the second sideopening 50 and enclose the electric connections within a closed internalcavity 13.

As depicted, a side surface 52 facing the internal cavity 13, has fluidconnections 29 adapted to engage the fluid conduits 26 in the circuit tocommunicate fire retardant through the chamber 18. Also shown, formedinto the side surface 52, are recesses 54 adapted to hold electricalconnections between two wires 28 such as wire nuts 56 secured over time.Further depicted are metal conduits 51 showing that the system hereincan route the cable surrounded by the sheath 24 through metal conduits51 in a commercial setting requiring such. Additionally depicted is apolymeric diaphragm 53 which fills an aperture in the cover plate 46.This diaphragm 53 may be formed of a polymeric or other material adaptedto melt at the appropriate temperature noted herein, to allowdisbursement of fire retardant through the opening. The diaphragm alsocan be configured to have a burst pressure less that the enclosure toprotect the enclosure structural integrity should over pressurization ofthe circuit occur thereby preventing the enclosure from structuralfailure from suppressant over-pressurization release.

In FIG. 33, is depicted a junction box 12 in a conventional fashionhaving sidewalls 15 which surround the internal cavity 13 and wherepunch-out portions of the sidewalls 15 are shown providing one or aplurality of openings for passage of wires into and out of the internalcavity 13. Additionally depicted is an insertable track 41 routing windsof a fluid tube 58 which may be a continuation of, or be engaged at bothends to, the fluid conduit 26 to communicate fire retardant into andthrough the length of the fluid tube 58. The fluid tube 58 may bepre-positioned or slid into a removable engagement with the junction box12 and internal cavity through, an elongated slot 60 in one sidewall. Ofcourse the track 41 may also engage a portion of the fluid conduit 26from the cable 11 which would be engaged thereon in the circuitousroute. The assembled mode of the junction box 12 of FIG. 33 is shown inFIG. 34 wherein the track 41 has been operatively engaged within theslot 60.

Shown in FIG. 34A is a junction box 12 configured with one or aplurality of openings for passage of wires into the cavity 13 andthrough the junction box 12 similar to FIG. 33. Also shown is the slot60 configured for insertion of the track 41 to hold a fluid tube in acircuitous path thereby forming the suppression chamber from windings ofthe fluid conduit 26 in a similar fashion to that of FIG. 33. Such mightwork well in retrofitting an older electrical system.

The engagement of the track 41 within the slot 60 is shown in FIG. 34B.As depicted, the suppression chamber is formed by a winding of fluidconduit 26 on the track 41 which has been inserted operatively into theslot 60.

Shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 depict a mode of the system herein which is aclosed system. As shown, the cable herein defines an extension cord 62adapted for connection to a first or wall socket 16 which is operativelyengaged in the cavity 13 of a remotely positionable housing or junctionbox 12. This mode of the system herein is self contained and has a fluidconduit 26 communicating therethrough between a second socket 16 shownas plug receptacle 64 and an internally housed reservoir 66 ofpressurized fire retardant within the housing. In this mode of thesystem, should the extension cord 62 overheat, the resultingcommunication of fire retardant to the overheating point on theextension cord 62 will extinguish any flame. While not shown, theapertures 32 can be formed in the flexible sheath of the cable formingthe extension cord 62.

A similar self contained mode of the system herein is shown in FIG. 37.As depicted a housing 68 is configured for positioning of largerelectric components within the interior cavities 13 of the formedhousing 68 which is defined by the surrounding sidewalls 15. Shown in atransparent rendition the sidewalls 15 form an internal cavity having areservoir 66 of fire retardant therein. The reservoir 66 connectsthrough the fluid conduit 26 to the extension cord 62 to a remote plugreceptacle 64. This mode of the system would work well where the largerelectronic component is for example used in a recreational vehicle orboat or other portable configuration, to guard against fire fromresistive heating or sparking in wiring or overheating of the electroniccomponent located proximate to the portable housing 68.

Shown in FIG. 38, FIG. 38 depicts a junction box 12 which is operativelyconnected to a fluid conduit 26 which supplies suppressant fluid topassages 21, such as in FIG. 30A, to the junction box 12. Shown, formedinto the sidewall 15 of the junction box 12, are differingconfigurations of nozzles 70. These nozzles 70 are positioned on one ora plurality of the sidewalls 15 of the junction box 12 and can beconfigured for a targeted stream of suppressant in a directional flow 78(FIG. 39) therefrom.

As shown, one projecting nozzle 70A has a narrowing configurationwherein the distal end 72 thereof, forms to a point which is narrowerthan a base 74 of the projecting nozzle 70A. The nozzle sidewall orsidewalls 84 thus angle from the base 74 toward the distal end 72. Thedistal end 72 can be formed to melt or burst when heated and suppliedwith pressurized fluid, and to disburse suppressant fluid therefrom in anarrow spread thereof or a singular stream thereof. Where used herein,nozzle sidewall 84 is intended to mean a single nozzle sidewall 84which, for example, may have a tube-like or a conical shape, or may haveintersecting angled portions forming the sidewall 84 which define theshape and size of the nozzle 70.

A fluid opening 76, as shown in FIG. 39, would thus be formed at thedistal end 72 of the projecting nozzle 70A, by a melting of a plugpositioned in the fluid opening 76, or a melting of the distal end 72 ofthe projecting nozzle 70A. Fluid would disburse during a fire, oroverheating of the area surrounding the junction box 12, and thedirectional flow 78 of suppressant fluid as in FIG. 39, would flowtherefrom.

By directional flow 78, as used herein, is meant a fluid flow focused bythe configuration of the nozzle 70 to be emitted as a straight line, afanned spread either in a single plane or radial pattern emission, orany other pattern of fluid emission which can be formed by nozzle 70sidewalls 84. Further, while nozzles 70 are shown as projecting nozzles70A, and recessed nozzles 70B, or dome shaped nozzles 70C, herein, suchis for convenience and any nozzle 70 which can be positioned on or in asidewall 15 of a junction box 12, to emit a focused or shaped fluidstream therefrom, is considered within the scope of this invention.

Also depicted in FIG. 38 nozzles 70 formed as recessed nozzles 70B whichhave a nozzle opening 80 which is wider than a nozzle inlet 82 whichrecessed into the sidewall 15. In this mode, the inlet 82 end of therecessed nozzle 70B is formed to melt or burst first when heated andallow fluid suppressant to flow from the inlet 82 end, to the widernozzle opening 80. The fluid direction is focused to emit in a fanned orradial pattern or highly disbursed fluid by angled nozzle sidewalls 84.Changing the number and angle of the angled sidewalls 84 allows for achanging of the pattern of fluid in the directional flow 78 ofsuppressant.

Additionally shown in FIG. 38 are dome shaped or domed nozzles 70C. Thedomed nozzles 70C can be formed as depressions into the sidewall 15 or aprojecting domes from the sidewall 15. The dome wall 86 defining thedomed nozzles 70C can be formed of a material which melts before thematerial forming the junction box 12 and sidewall 15 of the samematerial in a thinner layer such that it will melt before the junctionbox 12 and sidewall 13. This mode of nozzle 70 can be employed toproject a high volume of suppressant from the junction box 12 dependingon the diameter or area forming the dome wall 86 of the domed nozzles70C.

As noted, shown in FIG. 39 are exemplars of some of the nozzles 70 whichcan be formed to emit a narrow, pointed, or wide flood of suppressantfluid therefrom in the desired directional flow 78. As also noted, thedepictions in FIG. 38-40 of the nozzles 70 should be in now wayconsidered limiting.

As shown in FIG. 40, the nozzles 70 in all modes thereof, can be formedin nozzle panels 88. While depicted with projecting nozzles 70A, thenozzle panel 88 can be formed with any of the nozzle configurationsherein, or which are shaped to emit the desired shape and volume offluid in the directional flow 78 of choice. While shown as a singlenozzle panel 88, kits including a plurality of such nozzle panels 88 canbe included in the system herein, wherein the user can choose the nozzlepanel 88 having the desired configuration of nozzle 70 to emit a desireddirectional flow 78 of suppressant fluid therefrom in the desiredpattern and volume determined by the shape or configuration of thenozzle 70.

As shown in FIG. 40, the chosen nozzle panel 88 from the kit orplurality thereof, which has the desired nozzles 70 thereon, can beplaced in a sealed engagement with the sidewall 15 of the junction box12 which will have sidewall openings 90 in fluid communication with thesuppressant communicated to the junction box 12 by the fluid conduit 26.

A panel seal 92 forms a sealed engagement of the junction box 12sidewall 15 with the nozzle panel 88 chosen for such engagement. A panelconnector is employed to hold the nozzle panel 88 in a sealed connectionto the junction box 12. Such may be any panel connector configured tohold the nozzle panel 88 in the sealed connection to the sidewall 15 ofthe junction box 12, such as slots 94 into which opposing sides of thenozzle panel 88 engage. The depicted slots 94 should be considered in noway limiting as to the panel connector employed to hold a nozzle panel88 chosen to the sealed engagement with the junction box 12. Any panelconnector, such as snaps, pins, adhesive, or mating connectorspositioned on the junction box 12 and on the nozzle panel 88, or othermating connectors as would occur to those skilled in the art, may beused.

As noted, any of the different configurations and components can beemployed with any other configuration or component shown and describedherein. Additionally, while the present invention has been describedherein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in themethod of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes andsubstitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will beappreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, orsteps in formation of the invention could be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope ofthe invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes,alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in theart are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadlydefined in the appended claims.

Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enablethe U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, andespecially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neitherintended to define the invention of the application, which is measuredby the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of theinvention in any way.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable system comprising: a cable, said cable having a flexible sheath, said flexible sheath having an axial pathway running a length of said cable between a first end of said cable and a second end of said cable; said cable having one or a plurality of electrically conductive wires running through said axial pathway of said sheath for said length of said cable; said cable having a fluid conduit within said sheath and running said length of said cable, said fluid conduit having a sidewall surrounding an axial passage thereof; said length of said cable is engageable to communicate electricity through said conductive wires between said first end and said second end of said cable and to concurrently communicate a fire suppressant within said fluid conduit, between said first end of said cable and said second end of said cable; said fluid conduit at one end of said cable, engageable with a fluid input connection to a junction box; said junction box having a sidewall passage therein, said sidewall passage connected with said fluid input connection wherein said fire suppressant from said fluid conduit is communicated into said sidewall passage; said electrically conductive wires having an insulation coating circumferentially engaged thereon, said insulation having a first melting temperature; said sidewall surrounding said axial passage of said fluid conduit being formed of material having a second melting temperature, said first melting temperature exceeding said second melting temperature; at least one nozzle formed into an exterior surface of said sidewall of said junction box, said nozzle defined by a nozzle sidewall extending from a first end of said nozzle to a second end of said nozzle; a portion of said nozzle sidewall formed of said material having said second melting temperature; and whereby a melting of said sidewall or a melting of said material forming portion of said nozzle sidewall, causes an emission of said fire suppressant from within said axial passage to any location along said length of said cable, or to any location adjacent said second end of said nozzle.
 2. The cable system of claim 1 additionally comprising: said nozzle sidewall projecting away from said exterior surface of said sidewall of said junction box, from said first end thereof to said second end thereof defining a distal end of said nozzle; said nozzle narrowing from a wider first end of said nozzle to a narrower distal end at said second end of said nozzle; and said portion of said nozzle sidewall formed of said material having said second melting temperature being positioned at said distal end of said nozzle.
 3. The cable system of claim 1 additionally comprising: said nozzle formed as a depression of said nozzle sidewall into said exterior surface of said sidewall of said junction box; said first end of said nozzle being recessed into said depression; and said sidewall forming said nozzle extending from said first end of said nozzle, to an opening in said sidewall at said second end of said nozzle.
 4. The cable system of claim 1 additionally comprising: said nozzle sidewall configured as a dome, said dome being recessed into said sidewall of said junction box or projecting away from said exterior surface of said sidewall of said junction box.
 5. A junction box for an electric cable system, comprising: a junction box having an interior cavity surrounded by a junction box sidewall; said junction box sidewall having a fluid passage therein, said fluid passage connected to a fluid conduit engaged to said junction box sidewall; said fluid conduit having a pressurized fire suppressant therein; said sidewall surrounding said interior cavity formed of a material having a first melting temperature; at least one nozzle formed into an exterior surface of said sidewall of said junction box, said nozzle defined by a nozzle sidewall extending from a first end of said nozzle to a second end of said nozzle; a portion of said nozzle sidewall formed of a sidewall material having a second melting temperature; said first melting temperature exceeding said second melting temperature; and whereby a melting said sidewall material forming said portion of said nozzle sidewall, forms a fluid opening therein communicating with said fluid passage of said sidewall, thereby initiating an emission of said fire suppressant from said second end of said nozzle. 